[DeTomaso] Fw: Clutch and -2 ZF Pilot Bearing - Late '73 PanteraLModel

[Robert Fluty]

From: "JDeRyke at aol.com":
FWIW, I don't like rolling-element pilot bearings in high performance engines 
for the identical reason I don't use high-iron bushings there: bearings scar 
up the transmission input shaft when (not if!) they go dry. The location in 
the back end of a crankshaft is possibly the worst place for a bearing in the 
whole car- its hot, there's abrasive dust is everywhere from clutch wear, no 
possibility of periodic lubrication- all the things a bearing DOESN'T want! 
Good luck all- J Deryke
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I'll throw a third option into the pilot bearing/bushing discussion.  A friend at work drives a highly modified Ford F-350 turbo diesel truck, putting out some ungodly amount of torque.  He runs a manual transmission and routinely ate pilot bearings and bushings.  He now runs a Kevlar pilot bushing...swears by them.  I contacted South Bend Clutch (Mail @ Sbendclutch at aol.com) and gave them the dimensions from my new roller pilot bearing and they answered that their model PB 50 HDK ($50) Kevlar bearing is the same size.  I'm planning on ordering one, since my input shaft is slightly scuffed up and I'm afraid it will chew up a good bronze bushing.  Their website is: http://www.southbendclutch.com/    Know Zoom Gears also sell a Kevlar pilot bearing.
 
I'm just the messenger here, I trust my friend's recommendation, but I have no direct experience with the Kevlar product myself. 
  
As Jack says, good Luck!
 
Bob